Ligue 1
French football league.
Ligue 1, officially known as Ligue 1 McDonald's for sponsorship reasons, is the top-level professional football league in France and the highest tier of the French football league system. Established on September 11, 1932, it has evolved significantly over the decades and currently features 18 clubs as of the 2023-24 season. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Ligue 2, where the bottom two teams are relegated at the end of each season.
The Ligue 1 season typically runs from August to May, with each club playing a total of 34 matches—two against every other team, one home and one away. Most matches are scheduled for weekends, with some weekday fixtures. The league has garnered a reputation for being competitive and entertaining, ranking fifth among European leagues according to UEFA coefficients.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is the most successful club in Ligue 1 history, having won the title a record 12 times, including their latest championship in the 2023-24 season. Other notable clubs include Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco, both of which have rich histories and passionate fan bases. Lyon holds the record for consecutive titles, winning seven from 2002 to 2008.
Ligue 1 has seen significant changes over the years, including its name change from Division 1 in 2002 to its current title. The league has also implemented various formats and rules to enhance competition, including a recent reduction in the number of participating teams from 20 to 18 to improve match quality.
The league is known for producing top talent, with many players transitioning from Ligue 1 to major European clubs. It also serves as a vital platform for clubs to compete in European competitions, with the top teams qualifying for the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Financially, Ligue 1 clubs are monitored by the DNCG (National Directorate of Management Control), which oversees their finances to ensure sustainability. The league's popularity continues to grow both domestically and internationally, making it an integral part of European football's landscape.